Things to do in Ottawa this weekend
A locals-first shortlist of what's worth your time in Ottawa this weekend — from outdoor escapes to standout food and live music.
Top spots in Ottawa
ByWard Market
Food & DrinkByWard
BeaverTails, farmers stalls and late-night patios.
Gatineau Park
OutdoorsGatineau
Lakes, 165 km of trails, peak fall colour.
Rideau Canal
FamilyCentretown
Pedal boats in summer, 7.8 km skate in winter.
National Gallery
CultureByWard
Giant spider out front, Group of Seven inside.
Westboro Beach
FamilyWestboro
Sandy river beach with a great little café.
Commissioners Park Tulips
OutdoorsDows Lake
300,000 tulips peak mid-May.
Winterlude BeaverTail crawl
FamilyCanal
Skate, ice sculptures, hot chocolate — repeat.
Where to eat
Atelier
$$$$Molecular tasting · Hintonburg
44 surprise courses — Ottawa's most experimental.
Riviera
$$$Modern Canadian · Downtown
Old bank turned glittery brasserie.
El Camino
$$Mexican street · Elgin
Tacos and mezcal, basement vibes.
Beckta
$$$$Canadian tasting · Centretown
Wine country in a Victorian mansion.
Live & on stage
RBC Bluesfest
LeBreton Flats · Jul 10–20 · Rock / Blues
Canada Day on the Hill
Parliament Hill · Jul 1 · Pop / Free
Escapade Music Festival
Lansdowne Park · Jun 21–22 · Electronic
Winterlude
Canal + Confederation Park · Feb 7 – 17 · Festival / Free
Frequently asked
- Locals' favourites right now: ByWard Market, Gatineau Park, Rideau Canal. The full list is curated weekly and balances outdoor, food, culture and live music picks.